From Observer to Advocate: Dylan Weaver Steps into Early Learning Policy — How the Todd Otis Public Policy Internship is shaping Minnesota’s next generation of early learning champions.
When Dylan Weaver started Think Small’s Todd Otis Public Policy Internship in January, his understanding of Minnesota’s child care crisis was shaped by watching his sister balance work and child care for her three children. During the course of his internship, he became an informed advocate gaining hands-on experience in the world of early learning policy while completing his master’s degree at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs in Government Affairs and Housing & Transportation Policy.
“The legislative process and political landscape were old hat for me,” says Dylan, “but the specifics of child care policy were brand new. I had a steep learning curve entering the world of early childhood education.”
Navigating a Tense Legislative Session
The first couple months of the legislative session were dominated by party politics, special elections, and uncertainty at the federal level concerning the continued funding of a variety of early childhood programs, including Head Start and the Child Care Assistance Program.
The budget environment was also tough. Unlike the historic investments in early learning in 2023, the surplus this biennium is modest. At the time of this writing, Think Small’s proposal to maintain the $100 million Early Learning Scholarships appropriation was whittled down to $6 million, with further cuts possible as the session develops. (pictured right: Think Small Director Dr. Nicole Smerillo, Todd Otis, Dylan Weaver, Think Small Policy Engagement Coordinator Maggie Zepp)
“Our funding streams will narrow in the coming years, and federal funding uncertainty looms,” Dylan notes. “Sacrifices had to be made with a divided legislature.”
From Policy Briefs to Play Rooms
Despite the sobering fiscal realities, Dylan’s experience was rich in real-world learning. He attended committee hearings, participated in EdAllies’ legislative session kickoff, and stepped into the role of a legislator during a CARE Fellows mock hearing.
But it was visiting a child care center in St. Louis Park, Minn., that made the biggest impact.
“Touring a child care center in St. Louis Park really hammered home for me what educators do every day, from the stresses of maintaining staffing ratios to the joys of working with small children,” shared Dylan.
Keep the Flame of Progress Alive
Even in a challenging session, Dylan saw signs of hope. Think Small introduced legislation to reform child care licensing—a proposal that shows promise for bipartisan support. Progress is underway to build a stronger parent advocacy network, and legislative awareness about the burdens educators face continues to grow.
“Think Small advocacy is about informing parents and educators and making sure they know when to act,” he says.
Broader Vision for Affordability
Dylan moves on from the internship with a broader understanding of how child care fits into Minnesota’s affordability crisis.
“The cost for child care is 20 to 50 percent of a family’s budget. I want to see housing, transportation, health care, and child care costs go down. If I can help make positive policy changes in housing, that frees more resources for families to afford child care.”
“I feel ready to step into a career in public policy and be an advocate for early childhood education and the people who work in the field. Our hope is kept alive through the work and dedication of the people at Think Small. I was honored to be a part of it.”
About Think Small’s Todd Otis Public Policy Internship
The Todd Otis Public Policy Internship is a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about Minnesota’s early learning policy and advocacy landscape. Todd Otis’ lifelong advocacy career in Minnesota, and his work as a change-agent in early childhood, has had a significant and long-term positive impact on early childhood public policies, systems, and most importantly on the quality of early learning experiences for children and families. From 2001-2011 Todd served as president of the early education advocacy group Ready 4 K, which merged with Think Small in 2012. Todd continued as vice president of external relations until he retired in June 2017. Think Small started the internship to recognize his contributions and build on his legacy, training more early learning advocates to continue Todd’s work.
